Can I Cook Frozen Biscuits in My Air Fryer Fast Easy Guide

Yes, you can cook frozen biscuits in your air fryer for a quick, crispy, and mess-free result! In just 10–12 minutes at 320°F (160°C), your biscuits will be golden brown on the outside and fluffy inside—no thawing required. This fast, easy method saves time and delivers bakery-quality results with minimal cleanup.

Key Takeaways

• Cook frozen biscuits directly—no thawing needed for quick results.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even, golden-brown baking.
• Arrange biscuits in a single layer for optimal air circulation.
• Cook at 320°F for 8–12 mins, flipping halfway for even browning.
• Check for a flaky interior before removing to avoid undercooking.
• Use parchment liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

The Magic of Air Fryers and Frozen Biscuits

Let’s be honest: mornings are hard. Between hitting snooze one too many times and scrambling to get out the door, who has time to bake biscuits from scratch? That’s where the trusty air fryer comes in. It’s like your kitchen’s superhero—fast, efficient, and ready to save the day. But here’s the big question: can I cook frozen biscuits in my air fryer? The short answer is a resounding yes. The long answer? Well, that’s why you’re here.

Frozen biscuits are a lifesaver for busy mornings, but baking them in the oven can take ages—especially when you’re already running late. The air fryer, with its rapid hot air circulation, promises crispy, golden results in half the time. But does it deliver? I’ve tested it, tweaked it, and eaten my way through dozens of biscuits to bring you the ultimate guide. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves a good shortcut, this guide will answer all your burning questions. From timing and temperature to pro tips and troubleshooting, we’ve got you covered.

Why Your Air Fryer Is the Perfect Tool for Frozen Biscuits

You might be wondering, “Why not just use the oven?” Great question. The oven is reliable, sure, but it’s also slow, energy-intensive, and often overkill for a single batch of biscuits. The air fryer, on the other hand, is compact, quick, and surprisingly versatile. Here’s why it’s the perfect match for frozen biscuits.

Speed and Efficiency

Let’s start with the obvious: speed. A conventional oven takes 15-20 minutes to preheat, and then another 12-15 minutes to bake your biscuits. That’s nearly half an hour just for breakfast. With an air fryer, there’s no preheating (or just 1-2 minutes if you prefer), and the biscuits cook in 8-12 minutes. That’s a time savings of up to 50%. For example, I once timed it: oven biscuits took 32 minutes from start to finish, while air fryer biscuits were ready in 14 minutes. That’s a game-changer when you’re running late.

Even Cooking and Crispy Results

Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly, which means no more burnt edges or undercooked centers. Frozen biscuits come out golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside—exactly how they should be. I’ve found that the air fryer’s basket design allows hot air to reach all sides of the biscuits, creating a crispier exterior than the oven. Plus, if you lightly spritz the biscuits with cooking spray, they’ll brown even better.

Energy Savings and Convenience

Air fryers use less energy than ovens because they’re smaller and don’t require preheating. This makes them eco-friendly and cost-effective. They’re also perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms where space is limited. No need to turn on a big, hot oven just for a few biscuits—your air fryer has your back.

Versatility Beyond Biscuits

Once you master frozen biscuits, you’ll realize your air fryer can handle so much more: tater tots, chicken nuggets, even reheating leftovers. It’s a one-stop shop for quick, crispy meals. I once used mine to cook frozen biscuits for breakfast, then immediately swapped in frozen chicken strips for lunch—no flavor transfer, no hassle.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Biscuits in Your Air Fryer

Now that you’re sold on the air fryer’s potential, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Cooking frozen biscuits is simple, but a few key steps will make all the difference between perfect results and a disappointing mess.

What You’ll Need

• Frozen biscuits (any brand, but I’ve had great luck with Pillsbury Grands! and Trader Joe’s)
• Air fryer (any size, but a 3.5-5.8 quart model works best)
• Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper liner (optional but helpful)
• Small bowl of melted butter or oil (optional, for extra browning)

Step 1: Preheat (Optional but Recommended)

While air fryers don’t *need* to preheat, doing so for 1-2 minutes ensures even cooking. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it run for 60 seconds. This mimics the oven’s preheating phase and helps the biscuits rise properly.

Step 2: Arrange the Biscuits

Remove the biscuits from their packaging and place them in the air fryer basket. Here’s the key: leave space between them. Biscuits need room to expand, so don’t overcrowd the basket. For a standard 5-quart air fryer, 4-6 biscuits fit comfortably. If you’re cooking more, do it in batches. Pro tip: Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, or use a parchment paper liner with holes for airflow.

Step 3: Set the Temperature and Time

Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook for 8 minutes, then check the biscuits. If they’re golden brown on top, flip them gently with tongs or a fork. Cook for another 4-6 minutes. Total time should be 12-14 minutes, but this varies by brand and air fryer model. For example, Pillsbury biscuits take 12 minutes, while smaller store-brand biscuits might need only 10.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

The biscuits are done when they’re golden brown on top and the bottoms are lightly browned. They should feel firm to the touch but still soft inside. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean. Don’t overcook, or they’ll dry out.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Air fryer biscuits are best eaten fresh out of the basket. They’ll lose their crispiness if left to sit, so serve them right away. I like to split them open and add butter, jam, or honey for a classic breakfast treat.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best air fryer users make mistakes. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls and get perfect biscuits every time.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

This is the #1 mistake. Biscuits need space to expand and cook evenly. If you pack them in too tightly, they’ll steam instead of crisp up, and the insides might be doughy. I learned this the hard way when I tried to cook 8 biscuits in my 5-quart air fryer—half of them were undercooked, and the others were burnt. Stick to 4-6 biscuits max, depending on your air fryer size.

Flip for Even Browning

Flipping the biscuits halfway through ensures even browning. Without flipping, the top might be perfect while the bottom is pale. Use tongs or a fork to flip gently—don’t smash them! I’ve ruined more than one batch by flipping too roughly.

Adjust for Your Air Fryer Model

Not all air fryers are created equal. Some run hotter or colder than others. If your biscuits are browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C). If they’re taking too long, increase it to 375°F (190°C). Keep notes on what works for your specific model. I have a Ninja Foodi that runs hot, so I always drop the temperature by 25°F.

Use Melted Butter or Oil for Extra Flavor

A light brush of melted butter or oil after cooking adds flavor and enhances browning. You can also brush it on before cooking for a richer crust. I love using garlic butter for a savory twist.

Store and Reheat Properly

If you have leftovers (rare, but it happens), store them in an airtight container. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes. This restores the crispiness better than a microwave.

Comparing Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which Is Better?

You might be wondering if the air fryer is *really* better than the oven for frozen biscuits. Let’s break it down side by side.

Time Comparison

• Oven: 15-20 minutes preheat + 12-15 minutes baking = 27-35 minutes total.
• Air Fryer: 1-2 minutes preheat (optional) + 12-14 minutes cooking = 13-16 minutes total.

The air fryer saves you at least 15 minutes—time you can use to sip coffee or catch up on emails.

Energy Efficiency

Ovens use significantly more energy, especially when preheating. Air fryers, being smaller, use less power and heat up faster. If you’re cooking just a few biscuits, the air fryer is the greener choice.

Crispiness and Texture

Air fryer biscuits are crispier on the outside and fluffier on the inside. The oven’s dry heat can dry out biscuits, while the air fryer’s rapid air circulation keeps them moist.

Batch Size

If you’re cooking for a crowd, the oven might be better—it can fit more biscuits at once. But for small batches (4-6 people), the air fryer wins.

Here’s a quick data table to summarize the differences:

Factor	Oven	Air Fryer
Time (total)	27-35 minutes	13-16 minutes
Energy Use	High	Low
Crispiness	Moderate	High
Batch Size	Large (8+ biscuits)	Small (4-6 biscuits)
Ease of Use	Requires preheating	No preheat needed

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Air Fryer Biscuits

Biscuits aren’t just for breakfast. Here are some creative ways to use your air fryer biscuits throughout the day.

Breakfast Ideas

• Biscuit Sandwiches: Split open and fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon for a hearty breakfast sandwich.
• Biscuit French Toast: Dip in egg batter and cook in the air fryer for a crispy twist on French toast.
• Honey Butter Biscuits: Brush with honey butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Lunch and Dinner Hacks

• Biscuit Pizzas: Top with pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, then cook for 3-5 more minutes.
• Biscuit Sliders: Use as buns for mini pulled pork or chicken sliders.
• Savory Biscuit Casserole: Tear up cooked biscuits and mix with sausage gravy for a quick casserole.

Sweet Treats

• Biscuit Donuts: Cut a hole in the center, brush with melted butter, and coat in cinnamon sugar.
• Biscuit Bread Pudding: Cube cooked biscuits and mix with custard for a decadent dessert.
• Biscuit Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use as the base for ice cream sandwiches—trust me, it’s amazing.

Conclusion: Yes, You Can—And You Should

So, can I cook frozen biscuits in my air fryer? Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to do it. The air fryer delivers faster, crispier, and more energy-efficient results than the oven. Plus, it’s so easy that even a kitchen novice can master it in minutes.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on a tight schedule, or just someone who loves a good shortcut, the air fryer is your new breakfast best friend. With a few simple tips—don’t overcrowd, flip halfway, adjust for your model—you’ll have golden, fluffy biscuits in no time. And once you’ve mastered the basics, don’t be afraid to get creative. From biscuit sandwiches to sweet treats, the possibilities are endless.

So go ahead—grab that bag of frozen biscuits, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy a quick, delicious breakfast that’ll make your mornings a little brighter. Your taste buds (and your time) will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen biscuits in my air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen biscuits in your air fryer for a quick and crispy result. Simply preheat the air fryer, place the biscuits in a single layer, and cook at 320°F (160°C) for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How long do frozen biscuits take in an air fryer?

Most frozen biscuits take 8–12 minutes in an air fryer at 320°F (160°C). Adjust time slightly based on your air fryer model and biscuit size for best results.

Do I need to thaw frozen biscuits before air frying?

No, you can cook frozen biscuits directly in the air fryer without thawing. Cooking them from frozen helps maintain their shape and ensures even browning.

What’s the best way to cook frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

For the best results, preheat your air fryer, lightly spray biscuits with oil, and cook in a single layer with space between each. Flip halfway to ensure even crispiness.

Can I cook store-bought frozen biscuits in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Store-bought frozen biscuits work perfectly in an air fryer. Follow the package instructions as a guide, but reduce cooking time slightly since air fryers circulate heat more efficiently.

Why are my air-fried frozen biscuits dry or undercooked?

This can happen if the temperature is too high or the cooking time isn’t adjusted for your air fryer. Try lowering the heat to 300°F (150°C) and adding 1–2 minutes if needed for a soft, fully cooked center.